Bow Truss Owner Phil Tadros Is Suing Crain's Chicago Business

In July of 2016, Crain’s Chicago Business reported on Phil Tadros, owner of Chicago’s Bow Truss Coffee and other ventures. Now in July of 2017, the business journal is now being sued by Tadros for at least $38 million, according to NBC Chicago.

As per the Chicago NBC affiliate, the suit claims “defamation and infliction of emotion distress” on the part of Crain’s. The basis of the suit is an article posted last year:

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The article, titled “One of Chicago’s most connected entrepreneurs has made more than a few enemies” caused Tadros to lose accounts and investors for his businesses, including coffee contracts with Hilton Hotels, Merchandise Mart, Whole Foods and University of Chicago, the suit claims. Another business, Doejo, lost a contract with Lurie’s Children’s Hospital.

As a result of the article, landlords attempted to terminate his leases, his relation with his partner in Budlong — a Nashville-style hot chicken restaurant — deteriorated, the suit says. Additionally, his personal relationships, including his marriage, suffered as a result of the article.

The suit alleges that business journal “failed to investigate anyone or anything that would conceivably portray Mr. Tadros in a positive light.” It also includes a statement Shaye Robeson, one of Tadros’ ex-business partners quoted in the Crane’s articles:

“When Crain’s interviewed me about Philip Tadros I shared many positive things about him … I regret being interviewed and feel misled.”

On top of the $38 million in damages, the suit is seeking to “retract the story and prevent [Crain’s] from publishing or disseminating the article.”

For more information on the dispute, check out NBC Chicago’s coverage. The filed lawsuit can be viewed here.

Zac Cadwalader is the news editor at Sprudge Media Network.

*top image via Chicago Cultural Mile